Top Rank and MTK Global has announced an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement that will expand the reach for bring MTK Global events to fans in the United States on ESPN platforms.
The partnership, which includes ESPN+, will see approximately 30 shows a year emanating from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and elsewhere around the globe, with the inaugural Top Rank/MTK Global/ESPN card will be announced soon.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum commented: “MTK Global manages a vast number of A-list fighters from around the globe. This deal will enable Top Rank, through the ESPN family of networks, to afford viewers in the United States the opportunity to see these great fighters perform.”
MTK Global CEO Sandra Vaughan added: “This is a very proud day as MTK Global partners with the biggest and best in the industry to expand the audiences for our incredible fighters.
“Our sole mission has, and always will be, to afford every possible opportunity we can to the athletes we represent, and this partnership really cements that.
“Top Rank and ESPN are names synonymous with boxing on an international level – as MTK Global has become in recent times – and we couldn’t imagine better partners to take the next step with.”
MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan also spoke of the expansion: “This is fantastic news for all athletes signed with MTK Global.
“I’ve seen first hand the impact Top Rank and ESPN can make to athletes’ careers having witnessed my brother Michael’s progression and am excited for what the future holds for our roster of fighters under this new partnership.
“There are so many incredibly talented athletes across Europe who will now be afforded a global audience across ESPN’s network. It’s an exciting day for the world of boxing.”
MTK Global is the world’s leading boxing management firm with more than 100 fighters under their umbrella, including lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Michael Conlan, Billy Joe Saunders and Carl Frampton. The MTK Global cards will complement the wide variety of international fight offerings already under the Top Rank on ESPN banner.
